Recycling industry welcomes new initiatives to promote safety at workplaces

By Paul Ploumis (ScrapMonster Author)

May 12, 2016 04:40:04 AM

SPOKANE (Scrap Monster):  The Washington-based National Waste and Recycling Association (NWRA) has announced that several leading waste and recycling firms and organizations have ensured participation at the 2016 NWRA Safety Stand Down on Water, Rest and Shade which is scheduled to be observed from May 16th to 20th. The event follows the success of the first ever “Safety Stand Down” week during January 25th to 29th this year.

Background

According to NWRA, summer season is a challenge for recycling industry as collection workers spend most of their time outdoors. The stand down intends to provide training and awareness on how to reduce heat-related illness and injuries. It focuses on equipping participants with guidance and tools about water, rest and shade as preventative measures to protect the health of industry workers. The NWRA Safety Stand-Down includes a daily focus on safety issues related to keeping cool, hydrated and healthy in warmer weather.

Purpose

NWRA President and CEO Sharon H. Kneiss notes that the purpose of the NWRA Safety Stand Down is to raise awareness, prevent and teach waste and recycling industry workers and employers about working in hot weather and provide valuable resources to address these concerns. According to AWTI and 3rd Eye MobileVision Executive Vice President Mark Regan, the Safety Stand Down intends to ensure that every employee and the public they serve go home safe every day. Incidentally, AWTI is the premier sponsor of the event.

Overwhelming response

According to NWRA, nearly sixty waste and recycling companies have already joined the initiative. More companies are expected to register their participation during the next few days before the event. In addition, many prominent regional organizations including the California Refuse and Recycling Council, the Oregon Refuse and Recycling Association, the Washington Refuse and Recycling Association, the International Scrap Recycling Institute and the Solid Waste Association of North America have confirmed participation of their members.

OSHA’s new rule

Meantime, U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has issued a new rule to ensure workplace safety of employees. The new rule requires employers to electronically submit injury and illness data that are currently recorded in books. The public disclosure of the data would motivate employers to step up their efforts to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses. The new reporting requirements will be implemented across the industry over a period of two years. Estimates by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicate that over 3 million workers suffer injuries and illness at workplace every year.

About NWRA

The National Waste & Recycling Association is the leading organization providing leadership, advocacy, research, education and safety expertise for the waste and recycling industries. NWRA is the ANSI accredited standards developer and organizational member representing waste and recycling companies throughout the United States involved in the collection of waste, recyclables, organics and composting, and the production of waste-based energy.

About OSHA

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) is an agency of the United States Department of Labor. OSHA's mission is to "assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by setting and enforcing standards and by providing training, outreach, education and assistance".